RELATED ARTICLES

Share this article

Share

The majority of those requesting help last year suffered from addictions to heroin or crack cocaine, although there were significant numbers who had problems with cannabis, amphetamines and prescription medications.

Speaking to the Sun, David Raynes if the National Drug Prevention Alliance said: 'The profile of drug users is getting older.'

'Increased availability and lowered social disapproval is leading to increased whole-of-life use,' he added.

The news comes just a week after it was revealed that teachers convicted of drug offences could be allowed back into the classroom.

Abuse: The majority of those requesting help suffered from heroin or crack cocaine addictions, although significant numbers also had problems with cannabis, amphetamines (pictured) and prescription medication

Official guidance from the National College for Teaching and Leadership says a criminal record for smoking cannabis or using amphetamines need not bar them from continuing their jobs.

Campaigners said routinely allowing drug offenders to continue to teach would set a bad example to their pupils.

‘The job of a teacher is not just to impart knowledge to learners, it is to give them moral guidance,’ said David Green, from the Civitas think-tank.

‘You can’t give moral leadership if you yourself don’t set an example... If you’ve been found guilty of the possession of drugs, it implies you at least use them.’